HORSE-SHOEING. 187 



crust, and the ends of the branches terminating at the heels of 

 the foot, thus offering protection to the crust only, and without 

 presenting any surface to be trodden upon or allowing the least 

 suction in heavy ground. 



Fig. 18. 



The nail-holes are in the centre of the web, and are directed 

 outward, by which the nails pass obliquely across the fibres of 

 the wall and secure a good hold, without approaching the sensi- 

 tive parts too closely. Three-fourths of an inch is supposed to 

 be the height necessary to drive the nails. 



There are two small clips — one on each side of the curvature at 

 the toe — and these not only support the diminished number of 

 nails, but require that the farrier fit the shoe to the circum- 

 ference of the foot. The smallest-sized nails should be invariably 

 used, and fitted into each nail-hole before applying the shoe — 

 the shoe to be light and made of good material. This pattern, 

 like the modified shoe I have proposed, is suitable for either fore 

 or hind feet. 



It may be mentioned that, with the exception of the two side- 

 clips at the toe, this shoe is nearly identical in shape with 

 that recommended by Colonel Fitzwygram in his excellent work 

 on shoeing. 



